How to get free food assistance in Florida this March: Everything you need to know
Florida residents can access free food pantries during the first week of March, thanks to Feeding Tampa Bay. Learn how to find the nearest food pantry, what services are available, and the distribution times in your area.
During the first week of March, Florida residents can access free food pantries thanks to the efforts of Feeding Tampa Bay, an organization dedicated to combating hunger in the region. With multiple locations and schedules, this initiative aims to provide support to those who need it most.
Feeding Tampa Bay offers a variety of services across 10 counties, including the distribution of fresh food and assistance in accessing government food aid programs. Below are the available opportunities to receive food during this week.
It's important to note that dates and times may be subject to change, so it's recommended to check for the most up-to-date information on the organization's official website.
Feeding Tampa Bay: Available services
The organization provides various programs designed to meet the community's food needs. These include:
- Mobile Pantries: Distribution of fresh food at different locations.
- Food Pantries: Fixed locations where food items can be picked up.
- Benefit Assistance: Help with accessing government food aid programs.
- Job Training Programs: Initiatives that offer training to improve employment opportunities.
Distribution Dates and Times of food assistance in Florida
Below are the dates and times to pick up food pantries during the first week of March:
- Monday, March 3
- 9:00 a.m.: Polk | Pilgrim Rest
- 12:00 p.m.: Pasco | YMCA Trinity
- Tuesday, March 4
- 9:30 a.m.: Hardee | Frontline Ministries
- 10:00 a.m.: Polk | Frostproof Care Center
- 3:00 p.m.: Pinellas | Bethany Christian Methodist Church
- Wednesday, March 5
- 8:30 a.m.: Hillsborough | Tampa Metro | Underground Restored Women Ministry
- 9:00 a.m.: Sumter | Lake Panasoffkee Methodist Church
- 10:00 a.m.: Hillsborough | Single Women at Brandon Humane Medical Center
- Thursday, March 6
- 9:30 a.m.: Highlands | Hands for the Homeless
- Friday, March 7
- 8:00 a.m.: Pasco | Gulfview Grace Church
- 2:00 p.m.: Polk | Mulberry Community Service Center
- Saturday, March 8
- 7:30 a.m.: Manatee | Church of Christ
- 9:30 a.m.: Hillsborough | Lithia Housing
- 9:30 a.m.: Pinellas | Positive Impact
How to find the nearest pantry in Florida
Feeding Tampa Bay collaborates with over 400 pantries in the Tampa Bay area. To locate the nearest one, follow these steps:
- Select your county from the dropdown menu on the official website.
- Enter your city or ZIP code to filter the results.
- Choose the type of service you require: a hot meal or a box of fresh food.
- When selecting a specific location, you’ll find details such as the address and operating hours. It’s recommended to call ahead to confirm times and service availability.
Documentation and requirements
Some of the food distributed by Feeding Tampa Bay comes through government grants. In these cases, you may be asked to complete a form when receiving the products. Make sure to bring the necessary documentation and arrive early to help streamline the process.